Academic preparation matters. To earn a bachelor’s degree, students must demonstrate acquisition of broad knowledge through general education and focused knowledge in their discipline of choice. One of the greatest academic hurdles to college degree attainment is a lack of the fundamental skills associated with quantitative reasoning. Quantitative reasoning skills are challenged in both general education and major coursework across all disciplines, in the professional workforce and in daily life. Too often, equity gaps are exacerbated by quantitative reasoning disparities in PK-12 schools that follow students to college and influence their academic and career options. Increased preparation in quantitative reasoning supports success in college and the workforce and creates more equitable opportunity in high-demand science, technology, engineering and mathematics – collectively known as STEM – majors and careers. The California State University is committed to ensuring that all Californians have the opportunity to earn a high quality college degree. The CSU is investigating a recommendation that would require incoming high school students, beginning with the entering freshman class of 2027, to complete one year of quantitative reasoning. This requirement could be fulfilled by coursework in mathematics, science or an elective course with a quantitative reasoning foundation.
This recommendation, originally proposed by CSU faculty, is supported by a growing body of research linking quantitative reasoning preparation with college success, especially benefitting low-income and historically underrepresented students.Additional quantitative reasoning preparation expands opportunities for all students—especially underrepresented minority students—to pursue degrees in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, areas where these students are disproportionally underrepresented.
With an additional year added to the “a-g” subject requirements, students are better prepared for their first year of college.
Read About the Changes
August 29, 2019 Special Forum on Quantitative Reasoning (pdf)
Learn More About the Center for Advancement of Instruction in Quantitative Reasoning
Educational Policy Agendas
Whether you’re planning to go into a STEM field or aren’t sure what you want to do, there are a variety of classes you can take to meet the proposed requirement.
The STEM Major The Non-STEM Major The Psychology, Economics or similar major The Undecided
See Potential Pathways
The CSU has completed an open bid process for a third-party evaluator to assess the planned implementation and impact of the proposed requirement on CSU applicants.
Learn More about the Selection
CSU Bridge Courses fulfill the requirement and serve as a transition to college-level mathematics.
Learn More About Bridge Courses
Learn more about the proposal, who would be affected and why the CSU is proposing the changes.
Read The FAQs
The entering freshman class of 2027 is the first cohort to be impacted by any proposed changes.
The Academic Preparation and Quantitative Reasoning Steering Committee is composed of members from the CSU, the Board of Trustees, students, public schools, community leaders and more.
See the List of Members